Graduates at the 31st graduation ceremony of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, have been urged to be innovative so that they can tackle societal problems.
Gloria Byamugisha, Group Chief Human Resource Officer at Dangote Cement and an alumna of the university, made the plea during a ceremony where more than 2000 students at the university were awarded diplomas, degrees, and graduate honours. Five of them were awarded PhDs.
She challenged the graduates to apply their knowledge creatively to solve emerging societal issues.
“Knowledge without solutions is incomplete knowledge. Therefore, identify problems in our society and address them,” Byamugisha urged.
She also called on the university to lead in developing agricultural courses to combat food insecurity in Uganda. “UMU should champion and anchor farming courses to address the growing challenges of food security. This university can tailor courses in this direction and take a leading role,” Byamugisha said.
The university’s Chancellor, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana, echoed Byamugisha’s sentiments, urging graduates to embrace innovation.
“Leverage science, technology, and enterprise to drive socio-economic transformation,” Zziwa encouraged.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Kyamanywa, cautioned the graduates against pursuing quick wealth at the expense of integrity.
“Integrity is key in all you do. The pursuit of quick money should not lead you to sin, for in the end, it is vanity,” Kyamanywa advised.
During the ceremony, the university unveiled a renovated auditorium named in honour of Cardinal Wamala, who pioneered the idea of establishing a Catholic university.
Additionally, UMU launched a fundraising campaign to raise over Shs 8 billion for the construction of a Science and Innovation Hub. The hub, expected to be completed by 2030, aims to foster innovative ideas among students.
